How to Get the Stormwater Best Management Practice Reimbursement Program

What you get

Polk City reimburses property owners 50% of the cost of an approved stormwater practice, up to $1,000 annually. Eligible practices include bioretention cells, rain gardens, approved native plantings and landscaping, soil quality restoration, and permeable pavement. Rain barrels are capped separately at 50% or $75. The City issues a pre-approval letter before work begins, except for rain barrels, and practices must meet the design criteria in the Iowa Storm Water Management Manual (City of Polk City Public Works; last verified August 2026).

• Residential: 50% of project cost, up to $1,000 per year (rain barrels 50%, up to $75)

Are you eligible?

• Be a City of Polk City customer
• Property located in: Polk City
• Polk City property owner
• City pre-approval letter issued before work begins (not required for rain barrels)
• Itemized estimate of materials and services, plus a site map and project description
• Practice meets the design criteria in the Iowa Storm Water Management Manual
• Itemized invoices with proof of payment and a Public Works inspection after completion

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to City of Polk City and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.